Academics

Before the program, prospective students are sorted into levels ranging from complete beginner to advanced. Applicants beyond the beginner level will submit a Yiddish writing sample as part of their application. Teachers will then review the writing samples and, when necessary, conduct a brief interview with the prospective students to help assess their language level.

All students will participate daily in two morning classes: Language and Literature; students will also attend Conversation (shmues) class three times a week in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoons will be filled by seminars, electives, and special lectures. In a typical summer, evenings are devoted to completing class assignments and attending special events. Some students also choose to spend free time pursuing research in the YIVO Archives and Library.

A typical student's weekday schedule for the 2025 program (subject to change) might look like this:

Note that all times are in EDT. (What time is that for me?)
Please check back for updates on the full 2025 schedule.